Synopsis: Too often the biblical passages governing sexual morality are interpreted in simplistic, proof texting ways that take no account of the cultural gap between ancient Israel and the modern world. And too often the official positions of churches are determined by opinion polls and majority votes rather than a sober theological and ethical assessment of the issues involved. A third way is called for that avoids the errors of both naive fundamentalism and the Bible-dismissing zeitgeist--a way that puts theological reflection at the forefront. This little book aims to provide a theologically informed, biblical approach to help Christians find a new way forward in their dialogue over questions surrounding homosexuality. It deconstructs the Augustinian theological tradition that has defined, evaluated, and regulated sexual behavior in the western Christian traditions. Kraus maintains that the doctrine of the creation (rather than the doctrine of sin) must be the framework for understanding sexuality and sexual desire. He argues that the basic justification for erotic physical intimacy is the fulfillment of God's original intention for human community (shalom). Beginning with the definition of "the image of God" as a social symbol that mirrors the Trinity, Kraus calls the church to reflect that trinitarian image as it is seen in Christ. He argues that this stance at the very least calls the church to empathetic inclusion of the GLBTQ community in its ongoing discernment conversation, which, of course, means full participation in its life. Endorsements: "The relevance of this book reaches far beyond Mennonite circles. My brother and sister chaplains and Christians in the armed services, especially those troubled by the revocation of the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, will find challenge and wisdom from the biblical and theological reflections of Professor Kraus. In fact, this is a book for anyone struggling with same-sex issues in the real world." -Kermit D. Johnson Chaplain (Major General), United States Army (Retired) "In this era of increasing agreement that sexual orientation is a natural disposition, yet also of vigorous disagreement over how we should live with our sexuality, Norman Kraus gracefully guides us through pertinent church history, biblical wisdom, and theological understanding. Given how readily we interpret Scripture to justify what we feel, Kraus's crisp scholarship, and the pastoral reflections upon it, are timely." -David G. Myers coauthor of What God Has Joined Together: The Christian Case for Gay Marriage "The church's dialogue on issues of sexual orientation has focused on biblical interpretation. Frequently neglected has been the broader theological overview that gives shape to that interpretation. In this timely contribution, C. Norman Kraus addresses that oversight by providing a thoughtful and concise theological reflection on sexual orientation, especially as it relates to humanity created in the 'Image of God.' On Being Human is a must-read for church leaders looking for fresh ways to engage their congregations in this vital dialogue." -Vic Thiessen Mennonite Church Canada "Here is a useful and refreshing contribution to the church's discernment about sexuality--mainly because what shines through is the author's profound Anabaptist commitment to Scripture. But it is not a simple or conventional approach; rather, Kraus welcomes Scripture as a lively partner in discernment, trusting that engagement with the deep core of the biblical tradition along with critical examination of science and culture will yield the wisdom so desperately needed in today's church. -Marlene Kropf Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Author Biography: C. Norman Kraus is Professor emeritus at Goshen College in Indiana. He is the author and editor of numerous books and articles.

"This book asks-and answers-all the questions that rumble in the back of my mind as I think about how to be faithful to my religious tradition while working side by side with people of many different faiths to engage in building peace. The book truly meets the practitioners of peacebuilding halfway--addressing our dilemmas, theories, and tactics with theological rigor." --Lisa Schirch, -Lisa Schirch, Director, Partners Advancing Human Security; Professor of Peacebuilding, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University. "This compact volume speaks to the many factors of Jesus' practical relevance for the challenges of contemporary peacemaking. In the spirit of such peacemakers as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Kraus presents a christocentric vision as a corrective to Christian ideologies that have rendered Jesus irrelevant or condoned violence as a means to peace--and as a bridge to other faith traditions through the very dialogical process needed for others to consider Christianity a genuine partner for peacemaking in the world today." --Larry Dunn, Associate Professor of Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, Fresno Pacific University. "If you are a Christian interested in peace, if you are a Christian justice or peace practitioner, if you are Buddhist or Hindu or Jewish and interested in understanding connections between your own faith and Christian approaches to peace-then this book is for you." --Howard Zehr, Professor of Restorative Justice, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University, in the Foreword.

How should one read that ancient book called the Bible these many centuries after its formation? How can its instructions to civilizations of three and four thousand years ago be relevant to our contemporary hi-tech age? This book wrestles with such questions. Each chapter, a whole in itself, addresses some aspect of how the Bible may speak today as Kraus engages a variety of major issues, including christology, hermeneutics, peace, sexuality, creationism, miracles, social justice, and spiritual reality. Includes notes and index. Mark D. Baker, Associate Professor of Mission and Theology, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, says that In this era of specialization, few can so competently use and integrate the disciplines of biblical studies, historical theology, Anabaptist studies, missiology, and North American church history. Kraus, drawing on his decades as teacher, missionary, scholar, and churchman, challenges Anabaptists with the necessity of contextualization in the multiple cultures of the twenty-first-century church.

From within the Anabaptist theological tradition, C. Norman Kraus offers a biblically oriented alternative to rationalistic orthodoxy and to liberalism. He takes Scripture as the normative witness to the meaning of Christ, the authoritative source for theological reflection, and thus makes a thoroughly evangelical statement. Yet this evangel begins with salvation as newness of life in resurrection with Christ, not simply as juridical justification. It is the companion to Jesus Christ Our Lord.